The technology will allow Rush to do away with practice operations on pigs, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. As a result, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals agreed to cover half of the $12,000 cost of the training module.

The system will allow the 24 residents to practice using a joystick or surgical tools while they see a virtual patient through a screen. Students will practice common procedures on the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.

"Surgery is no different than learning how to play an instrument or a sport," said OB/GYN residency Director Dr. Xavier Pombar. "The more practice you have, the better you get."

The module is scheduled to be in place in August.

Fourth-year resident Michelle Beck said the software will allow her to become proficient in a variety of surgical concepts.

"We'll be able to practice everything from basic concepts to full surgeries and receive feedback in real time," Beck said. The system "scores competency - how effective your movement was, how long it took you to complete the task - and then gives you a percentage."